Ruben Rivers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruben Rivers
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Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers
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| Born | 1921 Tecumseh, Oklahoma |
| Died | November 19, 1944 (aged 22–23) near Guebling, German-occupied France † |
| Place of burial |
Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, France
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1944 |
| Rank |  Staff sergeant |
| Unit | 761st Tank Battalion, 26th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor Silver Star Purple Heart |
Ruben Rivers (1921 – November 19, 1944) was a brave United States Army soldier. He was a staff sergeant and a tank platoon leader during World War II. In 1997, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for bravery in the United States. He earned it for his actions in France between November 16 and 19, 1944.
Ruben Rivers was part Cherokee and one of seven Black American soldiers from World War II to receive the Medal of Honor. They were given this award on January 12, 1997. President Bill Clinton presented Rivers' medal on January 13, 1997, at the White House. These seven men were the first and only Black Americans to get the Medal of Honor for their service in World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Ruben Rivers was born in 1921 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. He grew up on a family farm in Hotulka, Oklahoma, with his eleven brothers and sisters. In 1930, his family moved to Earlsboro. After finishing high school, Rivers worked on the railroad for a while. He was a tall man, standing 6 feet 2 inches.
When the United States joined World War II, Ruben and two of his brothers joined the military. Ruben was the only one sent to a combat unit. He trained with the 761st Tank Battalion in Texas. This battalion was known as the "Black Panthers." It later joined General George S. Patton's U.S. Third Army. The "Black Panthers" fought well in many important battles.
Heroic Actions in World War II
Ruben Rivers was a tank platoon sergeant in Able Company of the 761st Tank Battalion. He became one of the battalion's first heroes. In the fall of 1944, the 761st was sent to Europe. General Patton chose them for his Saar Campaign, which was part of the Allied push towards the Siegfried Line.
On November 8, 1944, Able Company, along with the 26th Infantry Division, attacked German positions near Vic-sur-Seille in France. As they moved on a narrow road, they found a roadblock made of a fallen tree and mines. German soldiers began firing mortars and rifles at the infantrymen.
Rivers was in the lead tank. He knew they needed to act fast. He bravely got out of his tank while under enemy fire. He attached a cable to the roadblock and moved it away. This allowed the tanks and soldiers to keep moving forward. His quick action prevented a serious delay and helped them capture the town. For this bravery, he received the Silver Star.
During the daylight attack ... Staff Sergeant Rivers, a tank platoon sergeant, was in the lead tank when a road block was encountered which held up the advance. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Rivers courageously dismounted from his tank in the face of directed enemy small arms fire, attached a cable to the road block and moved it off the road, thus permitting the combat team to proceed. His prompt action thus prevented a serious delay in the offensive action and was instrumental in the successful assault and capture of the town. His brilliant display of initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Rivers and the armed forces of the United States.
Final Battle and Sacrifice
Just over a week later, Rivers showed his bravery again. On November 16, Able Company, with Rivers leading, attacked German positions in Guebling. On the way, Rivers' tank hit a mine. This disabled his tank and badly injured his leg. Shrapnel cut his leg from his knee to his thigh, deep to the bone.
Rivers only let medics clean and dress his wound. He then took command of another tank. The Germans were firing heavy artillery, so he moved with the rest of his company to find cover. By November 19, Rivers' condition had gotten much worse. He had a dangerous infection and was in a lot of pain. He had been asked to leave the battlefield, but he refused.
His tank led the way as usual. While advancing toward German positions near Bougaltroff, Able Company came under very heavy fire. The commander ordered the other tanks to pull back. But Rivers had found the German anti-tank unit. He and one other tank moved forward to fire on the enemy and cover his comrades' retreat. Rivers' tank was fully exposed. The Germans quickly fired two direct hits with high-explosive shells. Rivers was killed instantly. His commander recommended him for the Medal of Honor.
The Medal of Honor: A Long-Awaited Recognition
Ruben Rivers' final actions showed incredible loyalty to his fellow soldiers. They also showed his dedication to the war effort. These actions earned him the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor. However, even though he was recommended for the medal on November 20, 1944, it took over fifty years for him to receive it.
Rivers' story shows how Black American soldiers were often not recognized for their bravery during World War II. Out of 433 Medals of Honor given during World War II, none went to a Black American, even though over a million served.
In the early 1990s, it was discovered that Black American soldiers had been unfairly denied the Medal of Honor because of their race. In 1993, the U.S. Army asked Shaw University to study this issue. The study found that there was a system of racial discrimination in how awards were given during World War II. After a thorough review, the study recommended in 1996 that Rivers and nine other Black Americans from World War II receive the Medal of Honor.
In October 1996, Congress passed a law allowing President Bill Clinton to award these medals. Seven of the ten recommended soldiers, including Rivers, were approved. On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton presented the Medal of Honor to these seven Black Americans. Staff Sergeant Rivers and five others received the medal posthumously (after their death). Rivers' sister, Grace Woodfork, accepted the medal for her brother during the ceremony. Vernon Baker was the only living recipient at that time.
Other Ways Ruben Rivers is Remembered
Ruben Rivers has been honored in several ways:
- Staff Sergeant Rivers Court in El Paso, Texas, is named after him.
- Rivers Barracks in Giessen, Germany, was named in his honor.
- He is also recognized in the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.
See also
